Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is one of the more common causes of orbital disease. Thyroid eye disease can co-exist with both hyperthyroidism (Graves’ Disease) and hypothyroidism. These conditions can cause changes in one’s appearance, such as eyelid changes (eyelid retraction) and proptosis (a protrusion of one or both eyes). These changes may result in other conditions including dry eye syndrome due to the inability of the eyelids to close completely. Double vision may result from enlarged and/or scarred muscles that move the eye. In extreme cases, loss of vision may result from pressure on the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain. Possible treatments include oral steroids, radiation and surgery.